Poet's Platform Column | 28 Sept 06 by Janet Nesler | The Scioto Voice | Wheelersburg, Ohio

A Well-Earned Reward (For My Friend—Allen (Frog) Keffer) God looked down from His heavenly throne And saw you suffering there. He knew your heart and felt your pain As HE listened to your earnest prayer. Your journey through this life is o’er, No more suffering—no more pain. God has called you to eternal rest Where all is peace with a sweet refrain. You served your country when duty called, No shying away with fear. At far-flung beaches—in hostile lands, You defended the homeland you hold dear.                                     You will wear your Red Fedora As you stroll that golden strand. The Saints will applaud your coming And welcome you to that eternal land. Your voice will join that Heavenly Choir, You will sing of God’s Love and Grace. God has prepared a mansion for you… Your reward is God’s loving embrace. Alzheimers is not known in heaven, No pain, and no sorrow will be there. God has promised eternal peace— And His Love in abundance you’ll share. Jesus is eager to greet you, You will meet Him face to face. The angels will serve as your escort On a tour of that glorious place. The gates of Heaven have opened wide To welcome you with one accord. To live with God through eternity— Will be your well-earned reward. Charles Clevenger New Boston   LOOKING BACK   Sometimes I get to thinking My thoughts go back in time Looking back through the years I count the blessings that are mine. I am blessed with brothers and sisters. What a time we had. To make the family ties complete We had a wonderful mother and dad. Depression years, hard and lean, We managed to cope somehow. We had a garden, pigs, and chickens, Milk from an old Jersey cow. My clothes weren’t always the latest fashion - Hand-me-downs from a friend, My underclothes made from a feed sack, Pillsbury’s finest blend. At age fourteen I met a boy Who later would change my life. One of my greatest blessings Was the day I became his wife. I’ve been blessed with excellent health And faculties all intact. Life’s been good -- I’m well and happy As I sit looking back. Yes, sometimes I get to thinking Looking back through time I bow my head and thank the Lord For the blessings that are mine. Dorothy Ackerman Portsmouth   I AM WAITING FOR YOU You always said if I would leave, That you would always sit and grieve. You think you cannot make it alone, We know that we are all here on loan. We knew when the loan came due, That I would have to part from you. My life will not end here when we part, We have been promised a new one would start. Please do not waste time shedding tears, Remember how we spent all these years. Think of the love we shared,   the good times we had, Don’t waste time thinking of the bad. Our love is strong enough to see us through, Until I again can be with you. The one sure thing about having a friend, Death cannot make it come to an end. When you get lonesome what ever you do, Remember I’m on the other side waiting for you. Walter C. Stout Sr. McDermott, OH